This paper presents the definitions to be used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the purpose of collecting and disseminating statistics on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses (limited to small-tomedium sized, privately owned businesses).
The definitions are intended to be used in the context of measuring economic participation and development in Australia. It is recognised that there are other definitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses used for various purposes (for example, facilitating funding support to businesses), and the definition presented by the ABS is not intended to replace these definitions.
The definitions presented in this paper have been developed in consultation with stakeholders following the release of the discussion paper Defining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned Businesses, 2010 (cat. no. 4731.0). This discussion paper included a draft definition for comment. Following the release of the discussion paper, the ABS held a number of workshops and written submissions were received.